#USA #Philadelphia #Digital Engagement #Oberkotter #Sarah Sommer

Welcome Sarah Sommer to the Oberkotter Foundation Board

On March 1, 2026, the Oberkotter Foundation announced the appointment of Sarah Sommer to its Board of Trustees. With over twenty years of experience in digital marketing and a deep-seated commitment to improving accessibility, Sommer's expertise comes at a pivotal time for the Foundation as they strive to facilitate innovation in pediatric hearing healthcare.

The Foundation's mission centers on ensuring that every child who faces challenges in hearing has the opportunities necessary to develop critical skills in listening, spoken language, and literacy. Sommer joins a dedicated Board, including former Executive Director Bruce Rosenfield, along with David Pierson, Lydia Denworth, and Dr. Cedric Pritchett. Together, they are tasked with setting strategic direction and maintaining the governance needed to advance the Foundation’s mission.

Teresa H. Caraway, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the Oberkotter Foundation, expressed enthusiasm regarding Sommer's appointment. She stated, “Sarah brings not only her extensive experience but also firsthand knowledge of the barriers present in healthcare systems. Her understanding of digital communication technologies will be invaluable as we work toward practical solutions for families navigating the challenges of hearing loss.”

Sommer currently serves as the Vice President of Digital Engagement at Geisinger, a leading healthcare provider in Pennsylvania renowned for its value-based care approaches. Prior to this role, she spearheaded digital strategies at Boston Scientific Corporation, a testament to her capability in driving growth through innovative marketing strategies.

Beyond her professional credentials, Sommer also shares personal experiences that resonate deeply with the communities the Foundation serves. She is profoundly deaf and utilizes bilateral cochlear implants, providing her with a unique perspective as a patient advocate. Her journey through the healthcare system fuels her passion for creating accessible solutions for others facing similar challenges.

Sommer’s commitment to advocacy extends beyond her role on the board; she has previously held leadership positions at several organizations, including the Alexander Graham Bell Association, and has been a mentor through the Advanced Bionics cochlear implant program.

She holds a degree from Princeton University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, where she earned the Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship for her contributions to social enterprise. Sommer's educational achievements also include a Fulbright scholarship to the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, where she studied education with distinction.

Lydia Denworth, another board member, commented on Sommer's dual leadership approach, combining personal experience with professional excellence. “Her insight will be instrumental in evolving our work to support children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families. We believe in opening opportunities for individuals like her, and her joining our team amplifies that goal.”

The Oberkotter Foundation has been a beacon of hope for families since its inception in 1985, having provided over $500 million to enhance access to quality audiological services. Their commitment to advancing Listening and Spoken Language opportunities has made a significant impact on the lives of many children and their families.

As the Foundation adapts to the evolving landscape of pediatric hearing healthcare, the addition of Sarah Sommer to the Board illuminates a path toward greater innovation, inclusion, and support for those who navigate hearing loss every day. Her unique insights will undoubtedly foster the Foundation's objective of ensuring that all children can thrive, regardless of their hearing capabilities.

For more information about the Oberkotter Foundation and its mission, visit oberkotterfoundation.org.